number system

Maths in a minute: Binary numbers

How do you write numbers as string of 0s and 1s?

view
Why the answer to any sum is 10

Learning mathematics involves a progression to higher and higher concepts, building on the foundations of what we have already learnt. But Andrew Irving and Ebrahim Patel explain that no matter how high your mathematical knowledge reaches you must never lose sight of your foundations, no matter how basic they may seem.

view
Colouring by numbers

How does a computer understand the colours to be displayed on the monitor's screen? It's all about red, green and blue and numbers written in a special way.

view
The fabulous positional system
According to one mathematician, god created the whole numbers, with everything else being the work of humanity. Why, then did god not equip us with a good way of writing them down? Chris Hollings reveals that our number system, much used but rarely praised, is in fact a work of genius and took millennia to evolve.
view
Editorial

The Plus anniversary year — A word from the editors

view
Not just knots: the secrets of khipu
The Inka way of counting
view
Subscribe to number system
A practical guide to writing about anything for anyone!
A dog has eaten someone's homework

Some practical tips to help you when you need it most!

  • Maths in a minute

    Want facts and want them fast? Our Maths in a minute series explores key mathematical concepts in just a few words.

  • Climate change: How can maths help?

    As COP28, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, kicks off we look at how maths can help understand the climate crisis.

  • The travelling salesman
    map

    How do you create dramatic film out of mathematics? We find out with writer and director Timothy Lanzone.

  • Disease modelling for beginners

    Mathematics plays a central role in understanding how infectious diseases spread. This collection of articles looks at some basic concepts in epidemiology to help you understand this fascinating and important field, and set you up for further study.

  • Maths in a minute: Conditional probability

    Find out why the formula we use to work out conditional probabilities is true!

  • A disappearing number
    scene from play
    We talk about a play that explores the fascinating mathematical collaboration between the mathematicians GH Hardy and Srinivasa Ramanujan.